Dollar Bill Brewing Autumn Parlay

For some, the perceived moral consequences of their food and drink choices is the main driver for their seeking out of fairer trade, freer range, produce with the lowest food miles possible.

For others, a sort of Epicurean hedonism is the chief motivator.

In an increasingly urbanised world, the ethical eater can often be found at the local farmers market or food co-op. Frequently, they will also be seen rubbing shoulders with the favourite haunts of the Epicureans; in the gourmet deli, the boutique winery, the artisan bakers, or the craft brewery.

But in these busy modern times, who has the time and energy (not to mention the money) to always buy local, to always consider the environment and humane treatment of animals, to avoid putting another dollar into the pockets of our capitalist overlords and perpetuate exploitive labour practices?

And which self-indulgent gastronome can be arsed going all the way back to that beaut little café out in the middle of Whoop-Whoop for more of that amazing crostini with smoked chicken and olive tapenade even if it isjust to die for!? Or spending mega-bucks on a five-seed sourdough ciabatta made from wild Brettanomyces or bending over backwards just to get hold of a can of that Voodoo Doughnut Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ale.

What I am trying to say is, the lines are frequently blurred. The ethical eater will find themselves plagued by moral inconsistencies and the refined gourmand will sometimes eat KFC. Sometimes it is even the other way around!

But once you find yourself identifying with either of the types of consumer alluded to above, it can be a very slippery slope indeed into the depths of food snobbery.